In Southern California by John Norton Loughborough

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 21, 1907

In Southern California

By John Norton Loughborough

At the time of my last report I had just closed my meetings at Los Angeles. From that point I went to Loma Linda, some sixty miles east, where our people have not only a sanitarium, but a school of about forty students. I remained there from December 13 to 19, giving seven talks to the students and helpers, and one talk in the parlor to the patients. The Lord gave freedom in speaking the word.

Much has been said of “beautiful Loma Linda,” but one must see it to know what it is. I will say this much, I never read a description of it yet equal to the reality.

From December 20 to 26 I was at San Diego and Paradise Valley, holding five meetings at the former and four at the latter place. I found many new converts at San Diego, who seemed to enjoy a rehearsal of the Lord’s dealings with this people. The same was true of the meetings at Paradise Valley. In former days this valley was a most beautiful spot, but some years of drought and lack of water has marred that beauty. Now, with an abundance of water, it is regaining its former beauty. The site of our sanitarium there is indeed beautiful. With its mild, healthful climate, I do not see why it may not expect a fair share of patronage.

Sabbath, December 29, I was again at Fernando, and spoke twice to a full house on the early sacrifices in the cause, and the opposition parties that have arisen, and how they came out. From Fernando, on Sunday, December 30, I came to Santa Barbara. There I spoke twice in the afternoon on the gift of prophecy as connected with the third angel’s message. That evening I took the train for Mountain View. I had been for five weeks in a milder climate than Mountain View. In that five weeks I had held forty-two meetings, more labor than I had put forth in the same length of time in ten years. As the train came on the way, I realized that I was much exhausted in strength. When I arrived at home, on the morning of December 31, the mountains on both sides of the place were covered with snow, and the air was so chilly that it seemed almost impossible for me to get warm even by a hot fire; in short, I had an attack of la grippe, from which, on this twentieth day of January, I have not fully recovered. The snow has remained on the mountains to this date. On the Hamilton Range, near the observatory, it is reported that there are drifts fifteen feet deep. The oldest settlers say, “The like of this was never known here before.” We have had cold, disagreeable storms since the last day of December.

Well, this earth is waxing old, as well as the people upon it. May a realizing sense of this lead many souls to look with earnest longing for that better world now soon to be ushered in.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.